Special operations forces need ISR boost

The Defense Department wants to expand the capabilities of its Special Operations Forces in several key areas, one of which is intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, reports Aviation Week.

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities Michael Vickers said March 11 at an Aviation Week conference that the Quadrennial Defense Review is likely to reiterate a demand to grow U.S special operations forces, as previously planned, and possibly even more.

In addition to a shortage of irregular warfare equipment, such as rotary aircraft, the Defense Department also wants greater ISR capabilities to prevail in situations where special operations forces are deployed, he said.